Supporting someone close to you who struggles with mental health issues can at times be challenging and complicated. Many people worry that they don’t know how to go about it or that they will exacerbate the issue. These are normal concerns, but supporting someone–be it a friend, a partner, a child or a parent– on their mental health journey, may benefit the both of you. Your loved one will likely appreciate the support during a time that they may feel confused, isolated and alone.

Body image is a combination of feelings and thoughts that you may have about your body. A person's subjective perception of their body can range from positive to negative, and they can feel both positive and negative emotions at different times. Both internal (inner life/personality) and external (social environment) elements impact one’s body image. Having a more positive view of your physical body includes self-acceptance and self-appreciation, while also focusing on self-care. In our world of relentless comparisons and unrealistic beauty standards, it can be difficult to feel good about the way we look. Working towards that goal is a process, but it is not impossible. Here are some helpful suggestions to start creating a positive body image:

Feeling anxious or overwhelmed is a common human experience, and many of us are feeling it. For some, anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and disruptive to daily life. If you struggle with anxiety, you are not alone. The good news is that there are many practical methods for managing anxiety and encouraging a feeling of well-being. Here are some viable tips for managing anxiety and promoting a calmer mind:

New York City is one of the most crowded and bustling cities in the US. It is a great place to meet new people, try different things, eat unique food, and explore the many opportunities the city offers. However, it can also be overwhelming, especially for folks with social anxiety. Social Anxiety Disorder can be defined as an intense and persistent fear of being judged by others. Social Anxiety Disorder can interfere with basic daily life activities, like going to the grocery store or filling up your gas tank. With its constant sirens, jackhammers and relentless honking horns, New York City can seem like the most intimidating place in the world. Whether you are a newcomer to the city or a longtime resident, here are some helpful strategies for managing social anxiety: 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the need for mental health services, particularly among young adults. Despite this uptick in demand for mental health support, the supply of providers in New York has not kept pace with greater need. Teletherapy helps bridge this gap by giving New Yorkers more options to access care quickly, comfortably and efficiently.

When the weather is cold and the days are darker, it can be challenging to keep up a happy and upbeat mindset. The ‘winter blues’ are quite normal and many people experience feelings of sadness and loneliness during the chillier months. A more severe form of the ‘winter blues’ is known as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with seasonal patterns. MDD with seasonal patterns is a well-defined clinical diagnosis that can occur in the darker, colder months. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of US adults experience MDD with seasonal patterns. Symptoms can include fatigue, excessive sleep and lack of interest in normal activities. Here are a few effective tips to manage both winter blues and MDD with seasonal patterns:

As the New Year approaches, many begin contemplating resolutions - losing weight, earning more money, or eating healthier are some of the most common ones. Suddenly, it’s February, and life is catching up with you. You've ditched your resolutions, and now you feel like a failure. Research shows that over 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February. Rather than setting yourself up for disappointment, here are three reasons why you might be better off skipping resolutions this year.

You may be familiar with the term “holiday blues” - this saying describes feelings of sadness and anxiety that might crop up around the seasonal holidays. The holidays can bring up many different emotions—happiness and cheer—but also anxiety and dread. According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, 64% of people with an already existing mental illness note that holidays exacerbate their symptoms. We may find ourselves feeling more anxious around these times for a variety of different reasons.

Getting a good night’s sleep is an important aspect of managing our mental well-being. A poor night’s rest can negatively impact both physical and mental health. When struggling with depression and anxiety, it is critical to get the proper amount of sleep - especially good sleep! Sleep helps reset the body and allows us to function better in our day-to-day lives. The truth is we spend almost one third of our lives asleep, so it’s important to take it seriously. See below for some quick tips for better rest. These are all tips I practice myself - and I wouldn’t recommend them unless I thought they really help!

Learn how to support a loved one with depression using these helpful strategies, including encouraging therapy, being patient, and practicing self-care. Discover the benefits of Thrope Therapy and how to recognize signs of suicide risk.